Alberta makes compelling case for supplying U.S. with oil: Hoekstra

Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith pumping up Alberta's energy industry as business leaders from North America's Pacific Northwest gather in Edmonton. But questions about separation linger in the background.

By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

The U.S. ambassador to Canada says Alberta and Saskatchewan could make the “most compelling” case to meet the oil needs of the United States.

Pete Hoekstra says the U.S. needs to find three to four million more barrels of oil per day over the next decade and that Canada is one of the best places to get it.

He says members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s cabinet were eager to sign a deal last year for more Canadian oil but that the president wanted negotiations to continue because the U.S. has other options.

Hoekstra made the comment in Edmonton at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s annual summit.

Many politicians and industry officials on both sides of the border are scheduled to speak at the conference.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to give a keynote speech about energy and trade opportunities and how the region would benefit.

Other topics at the conference include forest management, artificial intelligence, agriculture and tourism.

Danielle Smith speaking at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s annual summit in Edmonton, July 20, 2026. (Matt Battochio, CityNews)
Keep it Factual
Add CityNews Calgary as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today